Why Does Republican Craig Foltin Refuse to Fire Convicted Member of His Administration?

Why Does Republican Craig Foltin Refuse to Fire Convicted Member of His Administration?

Washington, D.C.) -- This week in Lorain, Republican Mayor and congressional candidate Craig Foltin continued to showcase his corrupt way of doing the peoples business by refusing to fire one of his city appointees, despite the fact that a judge found the appointee guilty of theft and unlawful interest in a public contract. Foltin has a long record of hiring his buddies to work for him and this latest stunt reminds Ohio that he continues to refuse to put Ohio families above his own cronies.

If Craig Foltin refuses to fire a city employee found guilty in a court of law, how can Ohio families trust him to make decisions in Washington? asked Sarah Feinberg, press secretary of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Washington has been overrun by lobbyists and politicians who give them special access and its clear that Craig Foltin will be for more of the same. Ohio families are looking for a new direction in Congress and deserve better than a politician who looks out for his friends instead of the families he represents.

Foltin Uncomfortable Firing Convicted City Employee: This week in Lorain, Republican Mayor and Congressional candidate Craig Foltin continued to showcase his corrupt administration, making clear his inability to put the citizens of Lorain above his own personal relationships. Last Friday, a county judge found Lorain Sewer Superintendent Doug Johnson guilty of theft in office and two counts of unlawful interest in a public contract. Yesterday, Lorain Deputy Safety/Service Director Mike Kobylka announced that the city would not fire Johnson prior to his sentencing because the administration did not "feel comfortable" firing him. Instead, Johnson has simply been placed on unpaid administrative leave. [Cleveland Plain Dealer, 08/12/2006; Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, 08/12/2006; Lorain Morning Journal, 08/15/2006]

Foltins Right-Hand Man Awaiting Trial: In a related case, Lorain Safety/Service Director Craig Miller, who has been called Craig Foltins right-hand man by the Cleveland Plain Dealer, is set to stand trial on August 28th for his obstruction of justice charge relating to Johnsons case. Miller is being charged with lying about his knowledge of Johnson's involvement in the projects and leasing of equipment. [Cleveland Plain Dealer, 04/16/2006; Lorain County Clerk of Courts of Common Pleas, Docket Sheet for State of Ohio v. Craig Miller]

Foltin Stands Behind Old College Buddy 100%: Since the indictments were first made in 2005, Craig Foltin has refused to fire either of the two employees. Craig has been found guilty of nothing, Foltin said about Millerwho, coincidentally, is an old college buddy of Foltins. He has been accused of lying, which I dont believe is true. Clearly, there must be a misunderstanding and I stand behind Craig 100 percent. [Cleveland Plain Dealer, 03/01/2006]